Palmer confirms race number

Jolyon Palmer has confirmed the number he will use as he begins his F1 race career with the Renault team this season.

Drivers competing in the F1 World Championship have been able to choose permanent numbers from the 2014 season and Palmer officially joins the list when he makes his debut at the Australian Grand Prix in just under two months. The Briton acted as Lotus' reserve driver last season, and steps up to a full-time role, provisionally alongside Pastor Maldonado, for 2016.

While the #1 plate has been reserved for the world champion should he want to use it, all other drivers now carry the same number regardless of their championship position, or that of their team. Lewis Hamilton, who has won the drivers' title both years since the new numbering system came into play, has yet to swap his preferred #44 for #1.

Palmer announced his choice via a Twitter post, and his decision came as little surprise as he opted to retain the #30 he used throughout 2015.

The identity of the former GP2 champion's team-mate, meanwhile, remains the subject of speculation, with Maldonado's position rumoured to be under threat from Kevin Magnussen amid a sponsorship dispute.

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